So since getting the 5DsR, the 24-105 STM I bought for the 5D II really doesn't hold up on the higher resolution sensor, so I've been looking for a replacement standard zoom that isn't crazy expensive and yet still can be a good option. The 24-70/2.8L II is of course the gold standard, but more than I want to spend on a lens like this. My local shop had a Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2, but unfortunately, this one had some issues, with random soft areas and wildly inconsistent focus. I went back to return the Tamron, tried out the 24-105L II, and was underwhelmed. Very mediocre (at least that copy was.)
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic. Very sharp centrally at all focal lengths from wide open, and good sharpness to the edges wide open (but a touch softer). Stopped down it's sharp to the corners with outstanding contrast. IS works very well too. Significantly better than the EF 24-105's I've tried, and honestly it might be sharper than the RF 24-105mm in the overlapping range, though I haven't shot with one of those in a while. It provides outstanding contrast and resolution on the 5DsR and looks like it will seamlessly fit in with my 16-35/2.8L III. Very excited to get it out and really put it through its paces. Also: bonus - it adapts beautifully to my Nikon Z5 II, with no issues at the wide end (My 16-35L unfortunately doesn't adapt well - the sensor stack differences cause significant field curvature at the wider focal lengths).
These are just test shots, but seriously impressed for the 'budget' EF L zoom on the highest resolution camera Canon's ever made.
100% Crop (center) at 70mm f/4:
And 100% Crop (Extreme corner) at 35mm f/8:
Looks good outside too, though I haven't had a chance to actually make real photos with it yet.
The more I use this old 60D the more smitten I become.
I run two systems… canon and Pentax
I have picked up most of the Pentax Da Limiteds along with the K70 and KP bodies
I decided this evening to compare my latest buy.. the highly regarded Pentax limited HD Da 20-40 on the K70 against my new favourite.. the 60D with EF 28/2.8 is usm.
Nothing remotely scientific. Basically real life . scenarios, both cameras had same settings apertures, iso etc
As expected the Pentax was way more contrasty but the 60D with the 28is absolutely spanked its arse regarding sharpness. I’ve just dug out my old 17-40 and 70-300L for an upcoming trip to Scotland . Intend to pair the 60D with my 6D (share same battery)
The mirrorless stuff is getting left behind for this trip.
Jman13 wrote:
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic.
Nice! I was still a Canon prime shooter in the 2000s but was always interested in this zoom. On shifting to F mount (and zooms), I was displeased to discover that Nikon didn't offer this zoom—an omission never fixed. However, the moment they released the Z system, first up was the "kit" zoom: yup, Z 24-70/4S. It's the standard zoom that makes universal sense.
rico wrote:
Nice! I was still a Canon prime shooter in the 2000s but was always interested in this zoom. On shifting to F mount (and zooms), I was displeased to discover that Nikon didn't offer this zoom—an omission never fixed. However, the moment they released the Z system, first up was the "kit" zoom: yup, Z 24-70/4S. It's the standard zoom that makes universal sense.
Nikon had the somewhat decent 24-85/3.5-4.5 VR though, which I’ve owned as well. It’s not as good optically as this lens, but still was quite decent.
Jman13 wrote:
But they had a 24-70mm f/4L IS, and I figured I'd try it, even though some of the reviews I saw of it showed it not really anything special. But I have to say: what are they smoking? This lens is absolutely fantastic.
rico wrote:
Nice! I was still a Canon prime shooter in the 2000s but was always interested in this zoom. On shifting to F mount (and zooms), I was displeased to discover that Nikon didn't offer this zoom—an omission never fixed. However, the moment they released the Z system, first up was the "kit" zoom: yup, Z 24-70/4S. It's the standard zoom that makes universal sense.
I remember trying the 24-70/4 when it was first released and my impression was precisely 'nothing special' but not because it wasn't sharp. It just lacked any 'wow' factor to draw me in and want it.
For a lot of what you present here - urban landscape photos while walking around the city, it will be a great lens. Should also pair nicely with the 70-300L you picked up, which is supposed to be very good.
I'm a Nikon guy starting in 1975 when I was in high school. I saved up working after school at a filling station to buy a Nikon FTn. I still shoot a lot of film out of my SLR's but I also started buying some of the best DSLR's Nikon ever made.
I hunt for low shutter count "closet queens" that have no problems (few and far between - but can be found). My collection sits now with a D3, D700, D90 and a brand new D850 I picked up recently. For SLR's I have an F5, F2AS (I love this camera), Nikon EL and two Nikkormat FTn's. My favorite of the bunch is the F2AS but the D850 is really starting to chip away at that favorite status.
